[pp.47-52]
Yoshitaka OISHI (Shinshu University)
Abstract:
To determine the impact of the deer damage-induced tree death on epiphytic bryophyte diversity, the species richness and cover of epiphytic bryophytes were compared in undamaged and damaged forest patches on Mt. Odaigahara, a bryophyte diversity hot spot in Japan. This impact was studied in detail on the basis of the differences in bryophyte life-form diversity between these patches. The comparison revealed that species richness and cover of bryophytes were significantly decreased in the damaged forest, with a decrease in mean species richness and cover per tree of approximately 40% and 60%, respectively. The species richness and cover of four life-forms (tall turfs, thread-like, fans, and wefts) were substantially decreased in the damaged forest. Because these life forms are sensitive to desiccation, the drier conditions in the damaged forest are likely to be a factor responsible for their decreased diversity. This observed decrease in bryophyte diversity may be also of concern for the conservation of several endangered and biogeographically important bryophyte species. As the conservation and restoration of epiphytic bryophyte diversity has yet to be studied in detail, it is important to study those areas in which high bryophyte diversity remains and determine how to conserve them.
Key Word:
conservation, deer, dieback, drought stress, life-form